Bath Rugby agrees land deal with Lidl
Bath Rugby has exchanged contracts on part of the land it owns at Lambridge with shopping giant Lidl GB.
The company aims to deliver a food store beside amateur club Bath RFC’S training facilities.
At the same time Bath Rugby has also permanently transferred the training pitches and clubhouse at Lambridge to Bath RFC, securing the club’s long-term future at Lambridge.
The facilities – which are run by Bath RFC – are used by Bath RFC Juniors; Bath Rugby Ladies 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams; Bath Ladies Trojans mixed ability team and other organisations including Bath Rugby Foundation and local schools.
Tarquin Mcdonald (inset), chief executive of Bath Rugby, said: “Since emerging from the pandemic we have undertaken a review of all our assets, including Lambridge.
“This land transaction unlocks the potential of land directly adjacent to the amateur club’s training facilities, and will provide investment in the amateur club. This will create funding opportunities for the amateur club, helping the facilities at Lambridge to be revitalised.
“This will also enable Bath Rugby to invest in our wider community rugby programmes, and the women’s pathway and professional team, assisting amateur rugby to grow and thrive in the long term. “We were impressed by Lidl GB’S commitment to deliver a high-quality sensitive design, with consideration to the local setting and sustainable features, such as proposing to incorporate local Bath stone, natural timber cladding, air source heat pumps, a green roof and electric vehicle rapid charging facilities.”
Danny Sacco, president of Bath RFC, said: “The relationship between the amateur and professional clubs has never been stronger.
“Our long-term future at Lambridge is now secure and we can invest in the next generation of rugby players.”
Glen Stidever, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Bath Rugby to acquire vacant land adjoining the Lambridge training ground.
“A new Lidl store at Lambridge would enhance access to Lidl’s high quality and affordable produce for local residents on the eastern side of Bath and outlying villages.
“We are committed to working with Bath Rugby, the local community, and the local authority to deliver an exceptional store, in keeping with our company’s wider commitments to sustainability and that which is befitting of this location in Bath.
“We now look forward to developing our plans further through extensive public and pre-application consultation with the local community, local traders, and local planning authority before submitting a full planning application next year.
The club said plans and initial proposals will be shared with the public and local businesses in due course ahead of any planning application being submitted to B&NES Council.